How To Be A Leader at Any Point in Your Career

There's a lot of talk of leadership these days, and countless examples of the good, the bad and the ugly. We know what we don't want to be, but we never really define what we want to be or how to get there. Maybe you've never considered yourself a leader because you're not a manager, a CEO, or Winston Churchill. So you wonder, why should you care what it takes to be a great leader? Leaders call others to action. They lead the charge for a better future. They get promoted. They inspire people. They make a difference. Even if you aren't in a traditional leadership position, here are a few things you can do to be a leader, no matter your role.

Work in the "White Space"

If you think a leader is someone who sits in a top level penthouse smoking cigars and ordering people around, think again. A good leader is not afraid to get his hands dirty, and is not above the menial tasks that get the job done.    To start developing the traits of a good leader, look for ways to improve or streamlines processes and workflows around the office. Go above and beyond your job description. Take on the tasks that nobody else wants to do. This shows that you care about your company and the people there, and that you know that success comes to those who go for it. Your team, and leadership, will learn to trust you and know that you are the one who gets things done.

Never stop learning

Leaders stay on top of the latest news, techniques and research in their industry. Stay in the know to supplement your skills with continued education about the things you care about. Education widens perspectives, which is imperative for a leader. A leader in a box is a puppet of the system. Keep learning to keep growing. Expansive viewpoints and open minds are an open door to success in any endeavor.

Get likeable

Leaders have an almost magical aura about them that draws others to them. Why? They genuinely care about others. They care about people's stories and how to help them better their own lives. Don't be discouraged. Most people aren't born this way. But it's a trait that can be developed through good old-fashioned practice. Next time you have the opportunity to eat at your desk, ditch the desk. Go out into the halls. Mingle in the lunchroom. Meet your coworkers. Crack a few jokes. Get to know them. Talk about them. Take an interest in them. You will build trust and likeability. Every endeavor in life takes relationships, so it's always a prime time to start making them.

Now's your chance. When others don't want to take the time to implement the steps to becoming a great leader, just step in and do it. You (and they) will be glad you did.